Troubleshoot your Arco espresso machine with our diagnostic tree. Select your symptom and follow the steps to identify the cause and fix it yourself — or know when to call for professional service.
Data
{"symptoms": [{"id": "no-water-flow","symptom": "No water flows from the group head when brewing","severity": "high","possible_causes": [{"cause": "Water reservoir is empty or not seated properly","likelihood": "high","fix": "Refill the reservoir and ensure it clicks into place. Some machines have a float valve — press down on the reservoir firmly.","diy": true},{"cause": "Grind is too fine — puck is choking the machine","likelihood": "high","fix": "Remove the portafilter. If water flows freely from the group without the portafilter, your grind is too fine. Adjust 2-3 steps coarser.","diy": true},{"cause": "Solenoid valve is stuck closed","likelihood": "moderate","fix": "Backflush with cleaning solution to dissolve coffee oil buildup. If this does not resolve it, the solenoid may need replacement.","diy": true},{"cause": "Pump has failed","likelihood": "low","fix": "Listen for the pump sound when you activate the brew switch. If silent, the pump may have failed or lost electrical connection. Contact Arco service.","diy": false},{"cause": "Scale blockage in the boiler or thermosyphon tubes (E61 machines)","likelihood": "moderate","fix": "Perform a full descaling cycle. If severely blocked, a professional chemical flush may be required.","diy": true}],"when_to_call_service": "If water does not flow after verifying the reservoir, grind, and performing a backflush and descale."},{"id": "weak-espresso","symptom": "Espresso is thin, watery, or sour","severity": "low","possible_causes": [{"cause": "Grind is too coarse","likelihood": "high","